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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
In Vivo Morphometric Analysis of Human Cranial Nerves Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Menière's Disease Ears and Normal Hearing Ears
Published on: February 21, 2018
[Morbus Menière and acousticus-neurinoma (author's transl)]
Abstract:
It is questionable whether a hydrops endolymphaticus can develop on the basis of an acousticus-neurinoma. Histological evidence is also lacking. The fact that an acousticus-neurinoma can very rarely lead to the classical symptoms of Menière's disease has practical consequences. If a significant decrease in caloric function and an asymmetry in the inner ear ducts exist, a meato-cisternography is indicated. In the meato-cisternogramme typical filling defects are found; but also in 50% of the patients with Menière's disease, certain types of filling defects are seen. This observation suggests that perhaps other pathological processes in the inner ear duct provoke symptoms similar to those of Menière's disease. In our patient material we have indications that isolated intrameatal liquor circulation disturbances and intrameatal angioma are much more often associated with the clinical symptoms of Meniere's disease than an acousticus neurinoma.
Insights
Acoustic neuroma rarely causes Meniere's disease symptoms. Other inner ear conditions, like liquor circulation issues or angiomas, are more frequently linked to these Meniere's-like symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Context:
- Meniere's disease diagnosis can be challenging.
- Acoustic neuromas are tumors on the auditory nerve.
Purpose:
- To investigate the relationship between acoustic neuromas and Meniere's disease.
- To explore alternative causes for Meniere's-like symptoms.
Summary:
- While acoustic neuromas can rarely mimic Meniere's disease, histological evidence is scarce.
- Meato-cisternography reveals filling defects in both conditions, complicating diagnosis.
- Intrameatal liquor circulation disturbances and angiomas are more commonly associated with Meniere's-like symptoms than acoustic neuromas.
Impact:
- This study suggests re-evaluating diagnostic criteria for Meniere's disease.
- Highlights the importance of considering less common pathologies in differential diagnosis.
- May lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and patient management for inner ear disorders.
